The Path of the Artisan: Teachings for Practitioner Tang Chunfu

The Call of the Dharma

Namo Amituofo offers this profound teaching: "Spread the Buddha's path in the human world. Ask yourself where you will go in your next life. Do you know which of the six realms of existence awaits you?"

Thrice Yearning Ceremony - Noon Offering

(Teachings for Chinese Arts and Crafts Master, Lay Practitioner Tang Chunfu)

2017/07/23 AM 10:37 Chief Writer: Venerable Haize

Disciple: My Buddha of great compassion, please instruct me. Should I write down the Buddha's teachings, or should I receive messages from sentient beings?

Namo Amituofo's discourse: At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the Thrice Yearning Ceremony has not been held for several weeks, though the Shiding Dharma assembly continues. Many spirits remain attached to this place, waiting for the return of Practitioner Su. Today, they have gathered to hear the sound of the Dharma. Among this vast assembly, we see a special presence: the child of the Buddha, Practitioner Tang Chunfu.

The Significance of Chao Du

For the many spirits present, receiving the benefit of Chao Du is a source of immense joy. It is a rare and magnificent opportunity to encounter the Buddha's light in this world. Regardless of how the future may unfold, this karmic affinity is truly extraordinary. You must remember that a human life is difficult to obtain, and time passes swiftly. How many years do you truly have left?

Consider what you will leave behind in this world. Everything that has a physical form will eventually perish. Even the beautiful Buddha statues and carvings you have created are merely tools within the path. They are meant to help spread the Buddha's path in the human world, but you must ask yourself: where will you go in your next life? Do you truly know which of the six realms of existence you are heading toward?

Reflecting on the True Nature

The temple, the Buddha-heart, and the Buddha's vows are all dedicated to saving those with karmic affinity, guiding them toward the Western Pure Land. Practitioner Tang Chunfu, you must reflect deeply upon your life's work. You have held the images of Namo Amituofo, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva in your hands. Although you have shared a deep karmic connection with these sacred forms, you must consider the true purpose of your craft.

You have entrusted your heart to these artistic images, but have you truly understood the essence of the work? When you look upon the many statues of gods and Buddhas, which one do you truly contemplate within your own heart? You came into this world with nothing, and you will leave with nothing. This physical body is now nearing the end of its karmic cycle. It is time to purify your body, speech, and spirit, and return to your original, true self. You must seek the sincerity of your own awakening.

Clearing the Path to the Pure Land

Countless beings have stood before the statues you created, hoping to hear the ultimate truth, yet many have failed to awaken their own roots of wisdom. This gathering today should serve as a warning and a wake-up call. The karmic creditors attached to your body are real, and their presence is manifesting in your life right now. This is not an ordinary place; it is a sanctuary where you can finally express your deepest vows and find relief from the urgent suffering that has plagued you.

If you wish to live the remainder of your life in peace and freedom, you must understand the importance of maintaining the purity of your body, speech, and spirit. Your karmic creditors and your own self are, in essence, one. Do not treat this karmic affinity lightly. Whether you will be reborn in the Western Pure Land depends entirely on your own efforts. You must diligently water the lotus of your practice, ensuring that your heart remains focused on the Western Pure Land until the very end.